Farmer sets up barricade after bank's eviction notice

The 'Life After Debt' campaigner Seamus Sherlock says he and his five children will fight the eviction all the way and
have barricaded themselves into their house in Feohanagh, Co Limerick. LIAM BURKE / PRESS 22

A FATHER of five has barricaded himself into his home after receiving an eviction notice.

Seamus Sherlock says he will not let sheriffs evict him and his children from their home in Feohanagh, Co Limerick.

The 'Life After Debt' campaigner made national headlines in 2010 when he chained himself to the railings outside ESB headquarters in Dublin after his power was cut off.

Yesterday, he blocked the main driveway to his home after he was served with an eviction notice on behalf of Bank of Scotland because of outstanding mortgage repayments.

The Co Limerick farmer had 40 bales of hay wrapped in black plastic and piled up behind the main gate into his property.

Surprised

A sign on the gate read 'No Trespass'.

Mr Sherlock claims he was surprised to receive the eviction notice on Thursday, as he has been trying to reach a settlement with his lender, Bank of Scotland.

He would not reveal exactly how much was outstanding but said it was a "couple of hundred thousand euro".

The separated father says he has lodged a significant amount of his money with his solicitor as part of a rescue package he has been trying to work out with the bank.

Bank of Scotland said it does not comment on its banking relationship with customers.

"My message is I'm not for moving. I want to pay my loan back but I just need some extra time," he said.

Mr Sherlock, who ran as an independent candidate in Co Limerick in the last general election, has been unemployed for the last two years.

He previously worked in the fuel business and as a farmer.

"I've never been unemployed in my life. I've never missed a day's work. The last two years have been hell. I'm trying to build up a business again," he said.

"I haven't left my house since I received the eviction notice but I am receiving huge support from people who I've helped over the last 18 months as part of the Life after Debt campaign. People have been bringing me food and provisions."